Anyang' Nyong'o Criticises William Ruto's Govt for Approving Mass Layoffs in Sugar Mills
- Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o criticised President William Ruto's government in a sharp statement on Friday
- The ODM politician wondered why the national government did not consult counties in matters regarding the sugar sector
- The governor said the National Treasury should pay all outstanding arrears owed to the workers at the sugar factories
TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto has over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into economic trends in Kenya and globally.
Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o has slammed President William Ruto's government for approving mass layoffs in state-owned sugar mills that were leased to private investors.
Source: Facebook
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, Nyong'o argued that the decision violates the goals and spirit of the initiative to revive the sugar industry.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politician noted that leasing of sugar mills was meant to boost productivity, revitalise the industry, and improve the welfare of workers.
He warned that this approval of mass layoffs threatens to destabilise the sector and will be a recipe for chaos.
"It is a matter of public record that the national government has a long-standing commitment to pay the outstanding dues and arrears owed to these long-suffering workers. To approve their termination before this solemn debt has been settled is not only unjust but morally reprehensible. It adds a grave insult to an already painful injury."
What was Nyong'o's appeal?
The governor asked Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh to withdraw his redundancy approval letter.
He reiterated that the sugar industry is a devolved function, and as such, counties should be consulted before any decisions are made by the national government.
He urged the Ministry of Agriculture, the Council of Governors, and workers' representatives to hold an urgent meeting to develop a sustainable, consultative, and compassionate future for the workforce within the leasing framework.
Nyong'o added that the National Treasury should pay all outstanding arrears owed to the workers at the sugar factories.
"The sugar sector is a devolved function, and the livelihoods of thousands of our citizens are not a matter to be decided unilaterally from an office in Nairobi," Nyong'o insisted.
Source: Getty Images
How many workers will be affected?
A week ago, Ronoh directed Sony, Nzoia, Chemelil, and Muhoroni to notify employees of their layoff.
The decision is anticipated to affect roughly 5,000 employees, leading to substantial job losses amid harsh economic times.
The PS said that those who would like to continue working under the new investors will need to reapply for their jobs.
How much is salary arrears in sugar mills?
The total amount of unpaid wages for sugar mill employees is KSh 5.23 billion.
For thousands of workers across the sugar belt, the future is uncertain due to the upcoming mass layoffs.
Families that have depended on the work for decades now face unemployment in places where poverty rates are already high and there are few livelihood alternatives.
Martine Dima, the managing director of Sony Sugar, has already notified all the workers that their jobs will be terminated.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
